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Restoring Biodiversity at Wyee
At AEP, we strive to provide real solutions that work hand-in-hand with nature. One of our most impactful projects is a 20 year riparian zone restoration, focused on enhancing biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and supporting riparian health within a site at Wyee in the Lake Macquarie LGA.
Over the past decade, a significant transformation has been underway at a regeneration site in Wyee, NSW. Guided by a 20-year Vegetation Management Plan (VMP), this project has been shaped by the expertise and dedication of AEP’s team of ecologists. A customised ecological assessment and management plan was developed to identify the most effective restoration methods for this unique landscape. Since then, those strategies have been actively put into motion.
The site has been restored through a combination of natural and assisted regeneration techniques, with efforts focused on enhancing ecosystem health and supporting native biodiversity. As native vegetation has become well established, less space has been left for invasive or non-target species, allowing wildlife habitat to recover and thrive. Throughout the process, potential ecological challenges have been identified early, and practical, science-based solutions have been applied to address them.
Monitoring has been carried out regularly to track progress and adapt management actions as needed. Now at the five-year point of this 20-year journey, the site continues to evolve, with each season offering new insights and opportunities for refinement and improvement. The commitment of our ecological team ensures that the project remains responsive, resilient, and aligned with long-term conservation goals.
AEP's VMP demonstrates the power of working together with nature, stakeholders, and local communities to achieve lasting environmental change. With a careful balance of monitoring, intervention, and restoration, this program ensures ecosystems thrive, native species find sanctuary, and the landscape remains vibrant for generations to come.
Through dedication and collaboration, AEP continues to turn vision into action - restoring biodiversity and creating ecological solutions that matter.
....A Collaborative Approach to Conservation
Mannering Creek Rehabilitation: A Natural Success Story
The foundation of the VMP starts with a thorough assessment of the lands. AEP conducted detailed surveys to evaluate vegetation condition, identify key species, and approximate native and weed cover. This process helps establish a baseline for monitoring progress, ensuring all vegetation management efforts align with ecological goals.
A significant focus of the VMP has been the rehabilitation and monitoring of Mannering Creek. Physical intervention was initially considered for geomorphic stability, but observations throughout various weather events revealed the creek’s natural ability to morph and stabilise over time. Regular monitoring informed this process, and by the end of the five-year period, erosion had been successfully addressed, geomorphological stability achieved, and riparian function restored - protecting water quality for the future.
To track progress accurately, 10 flora monitoring plots were established across the site (originally 11, with adjustments made). These 20x20m plots play a critical role in evaluating floristic changes against baseline data, offering valuable insights into plant community health and regeneration efforts.
Planting Angophora inopina: Fostering Ecological Resilience
As part of the VMP, AEP planted, maintained, and established over 700 Angophora inopina (Charmhaven Apple) trees. These efforts, paired with annual health checks and censuses, help foster ecological resilience and promote the long-term success of this vulnerable species.
AEP proudly led a landmark environmental initiative as the first consultancy to successfully seed collect, propagate and plant 700 Angophora inopina trees - with them now thriving after four years of monitored growth.
....It’s not just about planting trees -
it’s about creating places wildlife can call home again.
What else makes this project so special? The project leader and team personally grew tube stock from seed, carefully planting each one to ensure the best start for this ecosystem. Now, four years later, these trees stand tall, supporting wildlife and proving that hands-on conservation can truly make a difference. This site has become a shining example of what’s possible when passion meets restoration.
Bringing Squirrel Gliders Home: A Hands - On Conservation Success
Once missing from parts of this landscape, Squirrel Gliders now call it home again - thanks to the dedication of our team. Sugar and Feathertail Gliders - previously absent from the site - have also been observed using the installed glider poles placed to aid movement along the creek system, a significant achievement that highlights the success of these interventions in creating safer, more connected habitats. AEP is proud to see these furry visitors return to a landscape once considered unsuitable for their presence.